For a cricket outfield used mainly for summer cricket, Hurrells CR2 is my choice: it combines perennial ryegrass with fine fescues and a small Highland-bent component. If the ground also carries heavy winter sport, GO2 or a dedicated sports ryegrass blend may suit the busiest areas better.
Order square and outfield seed separately: they are cut at different heights and need different mixtures.
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Best outfield choices for different patterns of use
| Situation | Mixture to compare | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated cricket outfield | Hurrells CR2 | Purpose-specific ryegrass/fescue mixture with a small bent component |
| General outfield or school ground | Hurrells GO1 | Similar broad role, with smooth-stalked meadow-grass included |
| More intensive mixed-use ground | Hurrells GO2 | 70% ryegrass and 30% strong creeping red fescue for heavier wear |
| Intensive winter-pitch use on the same facility | Hurrells FR3 for the appropriate zone | 100% sports perennial ryegrass; assess the effect on the existing sward |
CR2 contains 30% Turfgold perennial ryegrass, 25% Maxima strong creeping red fescue, 25% Archibal slender creeping red fescue, 15% Chewings fescue and 5% Highland bent. GO1 has 30% ryegrass, 60% red fescues, 5% smooth-stalked meadow-grass and 5% Highland bent.
Smooth-stalked meadow-grass establishes slowly. If a fixture is approaching, allow for that when deciding how soon a repair can be used. If your club specifies exact species and cultivars, confirm the Highland bent on the current bag label when ordering CR2 or GO1.
Keep the square and outfield purchases separate
A square-specific ryegrass blend is designed for a different maintenance task from the surrounding outfield. Our cricket-square seed guide compares CR1 and CR3. They should not displace an outfield mixture simply because the club already has an open bag.
The outfield also has its own use zones. Practice areas, entrances, paths to the pavilion and spectator routes may receive more wear than the broad open grass. Map those areas before deciding whether one renovation treatment is suitable everywhere.
Before ordering, agree the mowing height, available rest and watering arrangements with the groundskeeper, including any winter use.
Buying for cricket only or for a shared sports ground
On a dedicated cricket outfield, the balance between fine texture, reasonable wear tolerance and manageable regrowth may favour CR2. On a school or community site carrying winter football, a higher-rye mixture may be more appropriate for the most heavily used areas.
GO2 is best for heavier wear, provided the club can keep up with the extra mowing. For lighter use and less cutting, I’d prefer GO1.
Overseeding with more ryegrass gradually changes the balance of the turf as the new plants establish among the existing grasses. If the existing fine-grass character is important, discuss that with the supplier before switching. Our mixtures and blends guide explains how weight percentages and establishment influence the result.
👉 Shop CR2 for a dedicated cricket outfield or compare GO2 for heavier mixed use. Use discount code FORMBY10 for 10% off.
How much seed for an outfield?
Measure the area being renovated, excluding the square if it has its own treatment. For an irregular boundary, divide the ground into manageable shapes or use a measured area plan. A nominal “one cricket ground” quantity can be a poor fit for a small village ground or a large shared outfield.
For an illustrative 10,000m² outfield, CR2’s published 20–35g/m² overseeding range gives:
| Rate | Required seed | 20kg bags |
|---|---|---|
| 20g/m² | 200kg | 10 |
| 25g/m² | 250kg | 13 |
| 30g/m² | 300kg | 15 |
| 35g/m² | 350kg | 18 |
Select the rate for the grass cover and work planned, not simply the lowest order value. CR2 lists 35–70g/m² for new sowing, which needs a separate calculation. Local bare repairs should be measured and specified separately from general overseeding.
For 250kg, thirteen bags provide 260kg. The remaining 10kg can be retained for suitable repairs; record it rather than casually increasing the rate over the whole field. The bulk buying guide explains how to compare whole-bag orders and delivery.
Compare costs across the whole area
Use the current Hurrells prices for CR2, GO1 and GO2 to compare the full number of bags required. Include delivery and the discount code when working out the order total.
GO2 suits heavier mixed use, with more frequent cutting to allow for in the maintenance budget. CR2 is worth considering where you want a finer outfield and have lighter use; on a heavily worn winter ground, keeping grass cover takes priority.
Keep current cultivar labels with the quotation so alternatives can be assessed properly. “Premium outfield mix” is too vague for a repeat purchase.
Make the establishment plan realistic
The end of the cricket season can offer useful soil warmth, but work has to fit local moisture and the next use of the ground. Where football follows cricket immediately, agree which areas can rest and whether a staged renovation is more practical.
Prepare the surface so seed reaches soil, calibrate the application and arrange someone to monitor moisture. If a contractor is sowing, make the aftercare handover explicit. Keep play off the repairs until the grass is rooted firmly enough to withstand it.
When requesting prices, name Hurrells CR2 for the dedicated outfield, Hurrells GO1 for lighter general use, or Hurrells GO2 for heavier mixed use. For school grounds, our school-field guide puts the same choices into a term-time maintenance plan.
